MO holds spot on top business states list

Missouri again ranked No. 9 on the Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study.

Also ranking ninth last year, 2013 marks the fourth consecutive year Missouri has been in the top 10, according to a news release.

“Once again, Missouri’s low taxes, predictable economic environment and focus on strict fiscal discipline have kept us a top 10 state for businesses to start, locate and expand,” Gov. Jay Nixon said in the release. “We will continue to hold the line on taxes while making strategic investments in Missouri’s future to create jobs and keep our state moving forward.”

Conducted by Illinois-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate, the study ranked Utah the No. 1 state for doing business, followed by Nebraska and North Dakota to round out the top three. Alabama ranked tenth.

The study gave Missouri high marks for its corporate tax index, unemployment insurance and electricity costs, according to the release.

Pollina's annual study showcases the job retention and creation efforts of all 50 states and examines more than 30 business-friendly factors, including taxes, human resources, energy costs, infrastructure spending, economic incentives programs and development efforts.